Oscars 2020: Performances Make History, Surprise Audience

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The 62nd Academy Awards show kicked off with an upbeat performance by Janelle Monae, who donned a red sweater for a cheery performance of the “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” theme song, before taking a more political stance.

“It’s time to come alive,” sang Janelle Monáe in the show’s opening number, “because the Oscars is so white!”

Monáe was joined on stage by dancers dressed as characters from a few black actor-led films including “Queen & Slim,” “Us” and “Dolemite Is My Name.”

The performance came after a montage of iconic songs in film history. While the performance received a standing ovation and cheers from the crowd, many in the audience seemed perplexed as to why the 47-year-old rapper was performing a song released 18 years ago.

Another notable performance came from conductor Eimear Noone, the first woman to conduct the orchestra at the Academy Awards in history, who was introduced by Gal Gadot, Brie Larson and Sigourney Weaver.